Kingston town ... it's the place we long to be

It is the epitome of leafy tranquillity. Now Kingston-upon-Thames has been voted the happiest place to live in and around London.

Some 2,700 respondents were questioned about everything from how friendly their neighbours are to how safe they feel and how good the local amenities are, as well as how much they enjoy living in their homes.

The survey, by Rightmove, split the London region into postcodes. It showed a distinct preference for life in the commuter belt. The Croydon area (CR), despite being plagued by gangs during last summer's riots, was voted into second place. Dartford (DA), on the east fringes of the city, took third.

Miles Shipside, commercial director of Rightmove, said: "These places have easy access to central London, and in the case of Kingston lots of open space, good pubs, shops and restaurant. Croydon and Dartford are more affordable."

Oliver Pearson, of Gibson Lane estate agents, is based in Kingston and said: "You have Richmond Park on one side, the Thames on the other. People move here for the good schools."

He estimated a three-bedroom Victorian semi in Kingston would cost about £500,000 to £600,000. Homes in the local millionaires' row, Albany Park Road, can sell for up to £3 million.

The happiest London postcodes were in the north-west, which hosts Hampstead, Camden, and Belsize Park. The unhappiest were in east London, Ilford (IG), south-east London, and Romford (RM). "Property's cheap in these areas," said Mr Shipside. "I suspect we're seeing a loss of a sense of community."

Frances Tayler, of Ashton's, Chadwell Heath, in the RM post-code, said: "You can't compare these places with Kingston - its like comparing caviar and fish and chips."

She said her area had a 20-minute commute to Liverpool Street and good shopping, adding: "I bet you can't buy a three-bedroom house in Kingston for £200,000."